Black

by David Kettlehake

Book two of the Firebrand Trilogy "My name is Scout, and I'm a killer. And it gives me no pride in saying so, but I'm very good at it."The Storm that wiped out civilization five years ago killed billions across the globe, leaving only a handful of people alive. Scout is one of those few. Now on her own, she is desperate to find a cure for going Gray, the worldwide pandemic that eventually turns the living into mindless, murderous creatures. But even with her newfound abilities, she quickly realizes she can't do this alone. Along the way she finds help from people like the brilliant, enigmatic boy named Google, and the mysterious older man who has somehow resisted going Gray. But not everyone is a friend. In fact, sometimes old enemies return. And when they do, they don't come alone. Scout will have to fight to survive - not just the monsters facing her now, but those of her past as well. BLACK returns you to the brutal world of GRAY!

Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

David Kettlehake’s fascination with reading began at a very young age. Even though his father was a minister and his mother was a social worker and money was tight, his parents never said no to books. He still vividly remembers reading under the covers at night with a flashlight, while listening for the footfalls of his parents telling him (for the last time!) to go to sleep.

The first book he ever checked out of a library was Robert A. Heinlein’s Rocket Ship Galileo, back in elementary school. But as often as not, he could be found reading an Alistair MacClean thriller, or horror short stories from H.P. Lovecraft. Science fiction and fantasy novels came later, and even now the books he picks up are from genres all across the board.

For the most part, his protagonists are average people caught up in events outside their control, forcing them to overcome their own fears and shortcomings in order to succeed…or survive.

He deeply believes that reading should be fun and pleasurable, and that when you finish one of his books you breathe a deep, satisfied sigh, and wish there were just a few more pages.

David and his wonderful wife Lisa have three terrific kids, Nikki, Aaron, and Ian. He and his wife live in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. They love traveling here and abroad and seeing the world, which is why his stories tend to gravitate outside of the U.S.

His third novel, the YA dystopian thriller GRAY, will be released in September of 2020 through Brother Mockingbird Publishing.

Please visit his website at www.davidkettlehake.com, or email him at david.kettlehake@gmail.com

Reviews

[Zac Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation of the story of Scout! New friendships and bonds are created and lost. Suspense and danger lies around every corner. A good mix between zombie, survival, and post apocalyptic genres, Black builds on the winning formula started in Gray. Each scene is described in such simple detail that your mind requires little effort building a complete picture of the events. Can’t wait to see where the story goes as Scout continues to protect the ones she loves and search for a cure to going Gray.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooks you in the first 9 pages!

Kettlehake did it again! Such an awesome world he has created that we get to explore. The first 9 pages hook you and let you know you’re in for a ride! I so appreciated getting to know the characters more and watching them grow, as well as meeting new folks. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for book three!